Fall Recipes: Turn of the Season
By Kevin D. Weeks., About.com Guide to Cooking for Two
As much as I love fresh tomatoes, summer squash, corn on the cob, grilling outside, and picnics, I'm always glad when fall arrives and it's time again for soups and stews, hearty roast meats and vegetables, and favorites like chile and corned beef. It's a great time of year for casseroles as well and baking bread makes the house cosier instead of over-heating it.
Soups and Stews
Fall and winter are the key seasons for soups and stews. These dishes often cook slowly and lusciously on the stove top which can make for a hot kitchen in the summer but a wonderfully cozy kitchen when the weather turns cool. Add a loaf of quick cheese bread or beer bread and a salad for a perfect meal.
- Pasta and Bean Soup (Pasta e Fagiole)
- Potato Soup: A Spoon Full of Comfort
- Beef Burgundy: French, Festive, Fantastic
Main Dish Casseroles
Although I implied above that I don't, the truth is I use my oven all summer long - I just crank up the AC when doing so. Nevertheless, there are some dishes that are just plain more enjoyable when on a nasty, rainy fall day when we may be feeling a bit blue. Dishes such as Mac-n-Cheese, Meatloaf, and Roast Chicken are all the better for a bit of bad weather.
- Baked Macaroni & Cheese: An American Tradition
- Easy Cassoulet: Beans at Their Best
- Southwestern Ham Casserole
- Tuna Casserole: Comfort Food
- Baked Pasta with Chicken: Making the Most of Leftovers
- Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms
Fall Veggies
Even the zucchini eventually gives out, at which time we turn to the hard winter squashes like butternut, acorn, kimbawe and pumpkin (yes, pumpkin is a squash). These are then roasted or boiled, mashed or sautéed, breaised or baked. We also turn to winter greens such as turnips, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. And let's not forget the root veggies like turnips, rutabagas and parsnips. It a bit sad to say goodbye to our summer favorites, but fall offers its own rewards.
- Mashed Rutabaga with Maple Syrup and Bourbon
- Winter Squash with Horseradish
- Honey-mustard Roasted Beets: Sweet, Earthy and Bright
- Roasted Cauliflower: A Transformative Dish
- Brussels Sprouts Vinaigrette: Loved by Brussels Sprout Haters
- Potatoes Savoyarde: A Classic Gratin
On the Sweet Side
Fall is the time for pears, apples, and figs - all of which make great desserts. Unfortunately, good pears are difficult to find in Knoxville and fresh figs are almost impoosible. But the farmers' markets have a great selection of apples - both commercial and heirloom. And that are great fall desserts that don't equire fresh fruit.
